SLC directs Malinga, Mendis to return home immediately

Sri Lanka Cricket has directed Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis to return to home with immediate effect, ruling out their further participation in the ongoing Big Bash League in Australia.

SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said the decision has been communicated to the respective players who will return to Sri Lanka to undergo a "strict training regime" ahead of a "heavy schedule ahead"

"We felt it is important for all national squad players to undergo a strict training regime in the next few weeks as Sri Lanka has a heavy schedule ahead. The decision to call back Lasith and Ajantha were taken in consultation with our coaches and national selectors," Ranatunga told Daily Mirror.

Former Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who is currently the chief selector, confirmed that Malinga and Mendis have been asked to come back with immediate effect and start working with the national team's coaches and trainers.

"We have a crucial period of cricket ahead of us including the Asia Cup and ICC World T20 scheduled within the next two months. The series against Bangladesh is also coming up. We have to get into some serious team building if we are to stay competitive. I asked Lasith and Ajantha to return immediately and start working with our coaches and trainers," Jayasuriya said.

A couple of weeks back, it was reported that SLC is likely to drop Malinga from the national squad to tour Bangladesh as a means of sending a strong signal to the star bowler over his indifferent attitude towards training and poor performance. When asked if the selectors have changed their mind, Jayasuriya said the bowler will have to show his willingness to work hard and improve his fitness in order to get selected.

"You have to admit that Malinga has a serious fitness issue. That is why we decided to drop him after the ODI Series against Pakistan. But if he shows serious intentions and is willing work hard and improve himself, if he is ready to show commitment towards national duty, then we feel it is unfair to leave him out," Jayasuriya said.

"He is obviously a world class bowler. So, we want him to prove himself by coming back from the Big Bash and working with our coaches and trainers and get back to his full fitness in the next few days explained Jayasuriya," he added.

Jayasuriya mentioned that Malinga had called him after the SLC directive to admit that he had some fitness issues he was keen to work on. "He knows that we are keen to help him out and have the patience to manage him and assist him cope with his injury in order to prolong his international career. It is a very encouraging sign and we hope everything will turn out well for the country."

Jayasuriya was also not happy with the scheduling of the Big Bash, mentioning that there was a long gap between matches for Melbourne Stars - the team Malinga represents - which would make the bowler rusty. "Malinga's team played their last match on January 11 and their next match is not scheduled till January 21. It is an extended gap," Jayasuriya said.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Stars have reportedly requested the SLC to allow the pace bowler remain in Australia while following a training schedule recommended by the Sri Lankan trainers. In case this is not possible, the Big Bash team have requested the Lankan board to release him for February 4 and 5 for the semi-finals.